In the previous two posts, we discussed general aspects related to erectile dysfunction (ED) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including a brief discussion on acupuncture. In this section, we will focus on Chinese herbs commonly used in the treatment of ED. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of use in addressing various health conditions, including ED. Here are some frequently used Chinese herbs found in formulations for ED:
Panax Ginseng (Ren Shen): Panax ginseng is considered a "tonic" herb and is widely used in TCM to support overall vitality and improve sexual function.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium): Horny goat weed is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties and is commonly used in TCM to enhance sexual performance and address ED.
Cistanche Deserticola (Rou Cong Rong): Cistanche deserticola is a kidney yang tonic believed to help improve sexual function and enhance libido.
Morinda Officinalis (Ba Ji Tian): Morinda officinalis is considered a kidney yang tonic used in TCM to support sexual health and treat impotence.
Cnidium Monnier (She Chuang Zi): Cnidium Monnier is commonly used in TCM to improve blood flow, including blood flow to the genital area, which may help with erectile function.
6. Tribulus Terrestris (Bai Ji Li): Tribulus Terrestris is believed to have pro-erectile properties and is used in TCM to enhance sexual function.
7. Tetrandrine
Tetrandrine is isolated from the root of Stephania tetrandra S Moore. This traditional Chinese herb inhibits the Ca2+ influx from the extracellular matrix and Ca2+ release from the intracellular calcium pool in corpus cavernous smooth muscle cells.
It's important to note that Chinese herbs are typically used in the form of compound formulas rather than standalone herbs. Various compound formulas, such as the Shuganyiyang capsule and Yidiyin, have been created to treat ED.
- Shuganyiyang capsule is a formula composed of 15 Chinese herbs known to increase blood circulation, activate Yang, and replenish the vital essence of the human body. Studies have reported that the Shuganyiyang capsule improved intracavernous pressure in arteriogenic ED in rats by activating the NOS-cGMP pathway and reducing the expression of PDE5 (Wang et al., 2012).
-Yidiyin, a Chinese herbal decoction used to treat diabetic ED, has also shown promising results in improving erectile function in both diabetic patients and rats.
It is advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional to determine the appropriate herbs and formulations based on your specific condition and needs. They can provide personalized recommendations and consider other factors, such as your overall health and any underlying conditions you may have.
Disclaimer
The content here is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended for medical advice or treatment. Consult your doctor for any health concerns and questions.
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